IT Specialist (APPSW) "Software Engineer", GS-2210-15 FPL GS-15 (Direct Hire) (Open Continuous)

This position is in the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Federal Student Aid (FSA), Technology Directorate (TD). The Technology Directorate provides information technology services for all FSA systems, promoting the effective and secure use of technology to achieve FSA's strategic objectives through sound planning, investments, integrated technology architectures and standards, effective systems development, production support, and cybersecurity services.

This is an open continuous announcement with cutoff dates. Applications will be referred based on receipt of application and established cutoff dates as follows: 1st cutoff date: 07/10/2026 2nd cutoff date: 07/20/2026 Last cutoff date: 07/24/2026 We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As a IT Specialist (APPSW), GS-2210-15, you will be responsible for: Leading the technical direction for FSA engineering by applying deep knowledge of modern software engineering practices to ensure systems are robust, reliable, and user-friendly, while keeping the team focused on outcomes that directly improve the experience for millions of students and families. Evaluating, adopting, and championing new development tools, technologies, and methods that improve both productivity and software quality across the FSA lifecycle, while elevating the work of contractors and setting a higher standard for product excellence across the organization. Fostering a culture that combines technical excellence with a relentless focus on mission outcomes, while providing coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities for both government staff and contractors, raising the bar for engineering practice and delivery across the federal government. Taking ownership of improving not just the product but also the internal processes that surround it, while proactively identifying and fixing inefficient or outdated processes that slow down delivery, serving as a catalyst for change by removing obstacles, building alignment across stakeholders, and modeling a bias toward action. Applying deep experience in building and managing products that serve millions of users at scale, with high stakes for accuracy, security, and reliability, while ensuring FSA systems meet the demands of peak traffic periods, protect sensitive personal and financial data, and deliver seamless experiences for students, families, and institutions.

Condition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; The needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience.